Say “regulation” to business owners, and most will make a face like their milk carton just failed the sniff test. Say “this upcoming standard might push a bunch of new business your way,” and striking a balance between governmental oversight and an unfettered market might, for a little while, smell a little sweeter. That is why mechanical contractors in California should keep an eye on the state’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) as it continues work on a standard with a working title of Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Places of Employment.
This future standard began its mandated governmental journey when Labor Code Section 6720 became law early last year and said that by Jan. 1, 2019, Cal/OSHA must propose standards addressing heat illness in indoor work environments. The standard, it said, shall be based on environmental temperatures, work activity levels, and other factors.